Where to stay in Prague: A complete guide to the best areas to stay in Prague and hotels

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While planning my trip to Prague, I found researching where to stay in Prague and the best areas to stay a little confusing due to how Prague is divided into 10 districts (Prague 1 -10).

I worried that I would be too far away from the main tourist attraction in Prague and miss out on the best things to do in Prague if I stayed in Prague 10 or that it would be too touristy and ridiculously expensive if I stayed in Prague 1 (around Old Town Square).

After much research on the best places to stay in Prague including the coolest neighbourhoods.

I stayed in Prague 8 as this was not my first time visiting the city and I wanted to experience the different neighbourhoods like Vinohrady and Žižkov.

If this is your first time visiting Prague, you might have the same question like I did, when I first visited the city as a broke graduate.

Some of my questions were:

Where to stay in Prague Old Town?Best places to stay in Prague?What is my budget for accommodation in Prague?Best areas to stay in Prague for nightlife?Best hotels in Prague?Plus are all these areas close to the main attractions in Prague that I’d like to see?

Your budget will depend on what type of accommodation and the area you are staying in, I found that you could find good quality and highly rated hotels for as little as £50 a night and even less if you are looking at hostels or dorm rooms.

These were some of the questions and things I took into account as I research for places to stay in Prague and how I’ve broken down this Prague guide.

Essentially doing most of the research and hard work, so you don’t have to. You could thank me with a comment if this post was helpful.

Where to stay in Prague: A complete guide to the best areas to stay in Prague and hotels

Most people visiting Prague for the first time will want to look for the best areas to stay in Prague. Which will most likely mean staying in the city centre, finding accommodations in Old Town is in Prague 1, which is close to most tourist attractions like Old Town Square and the famous tastronomical clock and is 20 minutes’ walk from most of Prague’s historic buildings.

However, if you’re on a budget seeking accommodation further afield might be your best option.

Stay near a Metro station

Transport in Prague is great, similar to that of London and I would recommend staying near a metro stop or a tram line. When I lasted visited Prague I stayed in Prague 8 before I had stayed in Prague 1. In a four bedroom dorm style hostel as I was interrailing with friends.

My hotel this time was near both a Metro (four stops away from the city centre) and a tram stop. Which was convenient as it only took me 10 minutes to travel into Old Town Square.

If you are looking for hotels in Prague, finding a hotel near one of these stops below is an excellent place to start as it means you can quickly get into the city centre.

Line B (Yellow): Křižíkova, Florenc, Náměstí Republiky, Můstek, Národní Třída, Karlovo Náměstí, Anděl. You could go one or two more stops on either end, to Invalidovna or Pamlovka, or to Smíchovské Nádraží.

I have listed some of the best areas to stay in Prague including the coolest neighbourhoods to stay in Prague.

Prague 1 – Where to stay in Prague Old Town

Prague 1 is the touristy of the district and where most first-time visitors want to Prague stay. Most of Prague’s iconic sites such as the Wenceslas Square, Old town Hall, Malá Strana (Little Quarter) and Staré Město (Old Town) are within walking distance.

If you are visiting Prague for 2 to 3 days, I would recommend staying in Prague 1, as you will get to see Prague’s cobblestone streets, art déco architecture and all the things that Prague is famous for including the best nightlife in Prague and more. Some sites you can expect to see in Prague 1 are Astronomical Clock, Old Town City Hall and the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the Rudolfinium concert hall for classical music and a vibrant student nightlife scene.

You’ll also find Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto which includes the Old Jewish cemetery and a Holocaust Museum. As the centre of Prague for residents and tourists alike, there are many hotels to choose from in Old Town.

Just remember if you are staying in Prague 1, then things will be on the pricier side.

We’ll look at three neighbourhoods in Prague 1: The Old Town (Staré Město), Lesser Town (Malá Strana), and the New Town (Nové Město).

Prague 1 – The Old Town has been the heart of Prague since the 10th century. If you are a lover of history and architecture, then stay in Prague’s Old Town (Staré Město).

If you stayed at a hotel in Prague’s Old Town, most of the historical landmarks would be within a 5-10-minute walking distance. You’ll also beat the crowds to Charles Bridge for a shot of the gorgeous bridge at dawn before 8:00am and you could even have the bridge to you.

Let us get into the list of hotels where you can stay if you are in Prague 1 – Old town:

Luxury Hotel

If you’re looking for luxury then this 5-star hotel, Iron Gate Hotel and Suites is for you. It is known to be in the heart of the old town as you can get here in a few minutes’ walks from the centre. The hotel also offers 48 unique rooms and suites, each with a different layout, view and decor. This beautiful landmark, set in a private inner courtyard with an unforgettable atmosphere, is one of the hidden gems in Prague.

Affordable Boutique Hotel

Hotel UNIC is a modern 4 start hotel. The hotel was designed by the famous Spanish architect Meritxell Cuartero and an interior designer Daniela Baeza. This hotel is close to the old town square and just a minutes’ walk from the Namesti Pepubliky and is close to the Jewish Quarter. If you are into shopping there is a large shopping centre nearby and various shops, and also T-Anker restaurant patio.

Mid-Range Hotel

The U-Tri-Bubnu offers you a great location. The house is located in the historical centre of Prague in the street U Radnice, only 100 metres from the Old Town Square, opposite the house where once lived the writer Franz Kafka.

Affordable Hotel

Hotel Residence Bologna will provide you with the most affordable price in old town for budget travellers. This is a great no frills hotel. If you are active, then you can walk to almost all the places in Prague form this hotel as it is centrally located, and lots of cafes and restaurants are close to this budget hotel.

Prague 1 Malá Strana

If you are a nature lover and you want a less touristy area, then I would recommend you stay in Prague 1 is Malá Strana. This is the second most talked about area of Prague. On the other side of Vltava river across the Old Town, you’ll find Prague’s Lesser Town or Malá Strana is also known as Prague’s historic castle district, it is less touristy that Old Town (Staré Město).

Lesser Town is perhaps the most romantic and captivating neighbourhood in Prague. This is one of the best places to stay in Prague for couples.

The main attraction of Lesser Town is the Charles Bridge, but other attraction in the area is the John Lennon Wall, the Lesser Town Square, the St. Nicholas Church, boasting a 70-meter dome and a fresco painting of the Holy Trinity.

I have compiled a list of the best hotels in this area:

Luxury Hotel

Mandarin Oriental is an intimate hotel in a former Dominican monastery set amidst the palaces and gardens of Prague’s historic Mala Strana district. It is a 5-minute walk from Prague Castle to this hotel. With a former Renaissance chapel housing the award-winning Spa.

Affordable Boutique Hotel

The same group owns this affordable hotel known as Lokal Inn. It’s both romantic and modern at the same time. Located in the centre of Malá Strana. They have done a great job of providing visitors with the classic Czech cuisines.

Mid-Range Hotel

I describe this astounding hotel as original, small, and classy, the Vintage Design Hotel Sax. As the name describes, it is a vintage design with a nod the 50s through to 70s, and the design has a lot of fun in it. The location of this hotel will provide you within walking distance to everything.

Prague 2, 3, 8 and 10 – Vinohrady and Žižkov

Vinohrady has long been Prague’s cool neighbourhood, if you’re looking for a laid-back city experience but still close to most of the tourist attractions, consider staying in Vinohrady. Vinohrady is considered Prague’s expat central and coveted residence for the young professionals Czechs.

Vinohrady is a perfect destination for food lover foodies. Namesti Miru and Vinohrady have many restaurants, shops, art déco houses and beer garden, that will keep you occupied for days. You can also visit the Jiřák Farmers’ Market and the Riegrovy Sady Park for views over the city.

If you’re staying in Prague for longer (5 days or more), then accommodations in Vinohrady are more affordable than those in the city centre.

Another cool neighbourhood to stay in Prague 2 is Vyšehrad. Vyšehrad is set above the Vltava River, the area is serene with lots of green space.

If you stay in the Žižkov neighbourhood, you’ll be near the 216-meter-high Žižkov Television Tower where you can have a view overlooking Prague. Other attractions in Zizkov include Art Nouveau monuments and the New Jewish Cemetery where Kafka is buried.

If you want to go to Palace Flora shopping centre, then you have to go to the centre of Prague 2. You can try Vinohrady hotels if you can walk for around 20 minutes or you can also use public transport.

Luxury Hotel

The La Ballerina Hotel is an “urban concept” by the Alchymist Luxury Group. This 5-star hotel located a few steps from the famous Frank Gehry Dancing House and the Vltava river. If you love morning walks, then this hotel is best for you as it is located along the river.

Affordable Boutique Hotel

Anchored on the Vltava river in the centre of Prague, less than a mile from the Charles Bridge and a 10-minute stroll from the Charles Square is the 4-star BoatHotel Matylda. If you are looking for unique accommodation in Prague, then try the Boat Hotel Matylda.

Mid-Range Hotel

Ankora Hotel is a contemporary hotel located a just a few yards away from Wenceslas Square. Hotel Ankora is less than 5 minutes’ walk to I. P. Pavlova Metro Station and is an excellent choice in Prague 2 for travellers interested in beer, walking and architecture.

Affordable Hotel

Residence La Fenice is in the residential district of Vinohrady in Prague 2 and close to tram stops and the metro station ‘Jiriho z Poděbrad and is a cross between apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for self-contained apartments in Prague check these out.

There are options for apartments and hotels on the side of Vinohradska like the Hotel Anna and Hotel Claris.

Žižkov Hotel

There is another fantastic area to stay in Prague, which is known for its superb appearance rather than being ritzy, this is Žižkov for you. You will experience the cultural side of Prague in Žižkov. You can attend the Akroplis Theater and the annual carnival in the area.

You will not get bored and this area has it’s own party atmosphere with the many beer houses. If you are shopping or dining out, then the Žižkov Hotel is where you should stay.

This area is close to the centre of the Prague city, the Vilkov Hill is between Žižkov and Karlin, which is the separation line between the two.

If you want to go to the western part, then you can walk or can take a subway to reach there.

Žižkov is known as the most affordable area to stay in Prague. There are many self-catering apartment for the budget travellers, and you can stay there for a long time.

Prague 5 – Smíchov

The last metro in the Prague 5 is in Smichov a former industrial area. Smíchov is nestled along the west bank of Vltava River. The area is a semi-residential one with a good transport system, making it an option for business travellers to Prague.

If you are looking for the hotels, then most of them are situated surrounding the Ujezd areas:

Luxury Hotel

Vienna House Andel´s Prague is located in the famous Andel district and is known for its design and modern architecture. This 5-star hotel is surrounded by pedestrian zones with cafés and restaurants, and the popular Andel Shopping Mall and the Andel Underground Station and tram lines make exploring the city easy, both Old Town and city centre can be reached within 5 minutes.

Affordable Boutique Hotel

The Red & Blue Design Hotel is located opposite the Petrin Park close to the heart of the city, a short walk from Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. This hotel is clean and quiet with a friendly, helpful and efficient staff. Located just outside the main tourist areas so a quieter and calmer atmosphere. Easy to get to all areas of Prague as trams take only a few minutes. This 4-star hotel is an ideal hotel for a city break in Prague.

Mid-Range Hotel

The La Boutique is a 4-star hotel in Prague 5, 250 yards from the Anděl metro stop and 550 yards from the Nový Smíchov shopping centre. This hotel is within 15-minute walking distance of popular landmarks like Prague Castle or Charles Bridge.

Affordable Hotel

Ibis Praha Mala Strana is a modern hotel is located close to Prague’s historical district of Lesser Town and the Nový Smichov shopping centre. It offers en-suite, soundproofed rooms with air conditioning and hairdryers. The Ibis Praha is 100 yards away from the Andel metro station and the tram station with 6 tram lines, making it a great starting point to reach Prague’s main tourist attractions.

Prague 7 – Holešovice and Letná

In the north of the city, along with the Vltava River Holešovice the former industrial district is now the art gallery centre of Prague.

The neighbourhood is home to many famous attractions in Prague; like Stromovka Park the largest green space in the city. Nádraží Holešovice the second largest train station in the Prague and Veletrzni Palace, a part of Prague’s National Gallery. Along with cafes, restaurants and nightlife spots.

It will be cheaper to stay in Holešovice than in other areas. But the downside to Holešovice is transport. There is tram (17) and metro but keep in mind there is a thirty minutes’ walk, other options for hotels are near Holešovice and Letná

Affordable Boutique Hotel

Art Hotel Prague is near a fabulous beer garden. If you are someone who wants to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Prague, then I will suggest this hotel to you.

Prague 8 – Karlín

Prague 8 is a highly populated and contains Kobylisy and Karlín . Karlín sits between the Vltava River and the Vitkov Hill. These two areas are situated on the opposites sides of the river, the area of Karlin has the metro and tram connections with the Wencelas Square and Republic square. Whereas the area of Kobylisy the metro is connected with the Wencelas Square with tram only taking you till Mala Strana. Both of the areas are highly populated there are many hotels clustered around the transport hub.

Karlin

Vilkov Hill, from here you will get spectacular views of the city. This hill is popular among inline skater, joggers and walkers. If you want to visit the Vilkov Hill, it is near the National Memorial. There is another interesting thing there which is the statue of the Hussite warrior Jan Zizka, this is known to be the biggest one of its kind in the entire world.

On this visit to Prague I stayed in Karlin, the are is not a ritzy neighbourhood, so you will find some of the most affordable prices for accommodation there. This is a great area if you are a looking for unique affordable accommodations.

The short-term apartments are popular among visitors.

Luxury Hotel

The Hotel Alwyn which is located between Krizizikova metro and Florenc Mero. The hotel has been renovated and is now spacious and modern rooms. The hotel is in Prague 08, which is an excellent choice for travellers interested in sightseeing and old town exploring.

Mid-Range Hotel

Hotel Galerie Royale offers comfortable and stylish accommodation in Prague – Karlin in a quiet and friendly atmosphere with an attractive central location in proximity (100 metres) to the underground metro station Krizikova.

Now you know everything about where to stay in Prague including the best areas to stay in Prague along with the best hotels and neighbourhoods in Prague for every budget and traveller. You have everything you need to visit this undiscovered European city.

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